Dangerous structures

Building control has a responsibility to deal with dangerous buildings.

They may become gradually dangerous due to old age, deterioration or settlement, or by more dramatic causes, such as storms, explosions, fires or impact by vehicles. All buildings which appear to be dangerous should be reported to the council, who'll treat the matter with the utmost urgency.

If the building is considered immediately dangerous, building control can require immediate evacuation and ensure any action necessary to protect the public and neighbouring property is taken. This might involve temporary road closure, barricading, shoring, scaffolding, repairs or demolition.

Where the building isn't immediately dangerous, the owner would receive a notice requiring the property to be made safe within a stated time and, if satisfactory action isn't taken, an enforcement order may be issued. If this isn't complied with, the council can instruct all necessary works to make the building safe and recover expenses from the owner.

It's often possible to discuss a dangerous building with its owner in the hope that the matter can be resolved quickly, without the need for council action.

Page last updated 09/06/2016

Report a dangerous structure

Contact building control during office hours, or if it's an out-of-hours emergency call 01423 556300. You can also email Building Control but email reports are only dealt with during office hours.